<p>We have a question about the FAFSA that maybe someone can help with. We have been told by several people that we shoudl not waste our time filling out the FAFSA because my D won't recieve financial aid, but we have also heard that we have to complete the FAFSA in order for her to be considered for any academic awards. We were also told that we need to complete the CSS/Financial Aid Planner on collegeboard.com.</p>
<p>Is that accurate?</p>
<p>Send me money instead.</p>
<p>I believe Fordham requires both FAFSA and CSS, as do MOST colleges where you are seeking financial aid. Fordham does give financial aid, so I dont know where you got that information. Many factors go into how much and what kind of aid they offer. But their offers typically include substantial grants in aid, which function as a "discount" off the sticker price of tuition/room and board, much like a scholarship does, without the prestige. </p>
<p>Nobody likes filling out FAFSA. Its a pain in the neck and so forth. But the same can be said for applying for a car loan or mortgage, its what you have to do to get the money.</p>
<p>Some people of substantial means just forget about it and write the full checks, but that is not the norm.</p>
<p>Everyone who applies to Fordham is considered for a scholarship, and as you know, approx. the top 8% of the admitted class gets one. However, if you are awarded a scholarship, you must complete the FAFSA to receive the scholarship - not sure of this deadline, but it may be May - this is different from the February 1st deadline for Financial Aid. My d was offered a scholarship, but if we don't complete the FAFSA, she would be disqualified. I also don't think my family is eligible for FA, typical middle class NY family whose property values & NY income seems high compared to the rest of the country, but doesn't go too far when living in NY. Wish all the colleges would take Harvard's approach to financial aid so that people in the Northeast would finally catch a break. I would file the CSS & FAFSA anyway, it can't hurt & could help you get some grants or loans.</p>
<p>As everyone said already, file the FAFSA. It can't hurt to file, even if you think you won't get any need-based aid. The CSS and the FAFSA deadline is February 1st last time I checked and I don't think it has changed. If you haven't filed this year's taxes, fill in last year's numbers and update it once you've done this year's. Just make sure it's filed on February 1st.</p>
<p>thanks for the responses - we are completeing both forms now.</p>